Rail union wants wider probe of Canton crash

Monday

Mar 31, 2008 at 12:01 AMMar 31, 2008 at 8:37 AM

The union that represents train engineers is protesting the National Transportation Safety Board’s decision not to launch a formal investigation into the crash of a commuter train and a runaway freight car in Canton.

The Patriot Ledger

The union that represents train engineers is protesting the National Transportation Safety Board’s decision not to launch a formal investigation into the crash of a commuter train and a runaway freight car in Canton.

About 150 people were hurt Tuesday when a freight car carrying lumber slammed into the Stoughton-bound train. Investigators including the Federal Railroad Administration are looking at whether the brake was set on the freight car, which rolled onto the tracks and then downhill for nearly 3 miles before it hit the passenger train.

No one was seriously injured in the crash but many passengers and members of the train crew were treated for broken bones, deep cuts and bruises following the rush-hour accident.

The NTSB investigates all air crashes, but an agency spokesman said it investigates only some rail accidents.

George Newman of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen Local 57 said the NTSB has the expertise to conduct the probe.